On the last ride of the decade, delays and small mishaps shaped the day, but a closed Canonteign Falls café became lunch on the grass and a quiet walk to the Buzzard’s Nest viewpoint. Later Martyn suffered a puzzling double puncture on the run home.

With many away in Dorset, a small Buckfastleigh party headed for Torbryan via Green Lane, later joining others to tackle a mud‑churned track towards Tornewton and an over‑friendly goat. After Broadhempston the groups split, and Buckfastleigh reached home after dark via Charlie’s Cross.

An evening workshop on gears and wheels at Richard Burge’s house near Ashburton had the group comparing setups and swapping tips. The memorable twist was his nocturnal chinchillas, which drew much of the attention and kept the session sociable over refreshments.

A sunny winter ride became a tale of cheerful delays: a missed turn, an idyllic lunch by Harford church with camper van hot chocolate, then a boggy moor crossing that soaked shoes and added a puncture. Despite it all, the group kept its humour and the new riders coped well.

Forecast drizzle became relentless, wind‑driven rain, derailing our Lustleigh Cleave ride. Michael, via the Primrose café, secured the village hall—25p each and the keys—for a sodden lunch before we abandoned and headed home cold, wet and a little angry at the forecast.

A light-hearted evening of Give us a Clue at the Robinsons’ home in Marldon, with teams spanning all ages — even the youngest Twydells joined in. Warm hospitality and refreshments set the tone, and welcoming new rider Dominic Robinson added a family note.

A day of punctures and delays ended with a stark lesson in road discipline when a youngster was clipped by a car at Moreleigh—thankfully unhurt—prompting renewed safety training. Earlier, showers drenched the first repairs and Luke’s explosive sidewall puncture sparked a hunt for a treasured dust cap.

Amid storm debris the groups met at Coffinswell, only for Ken’s hub spindle to snap on the Daccombe climb. Nick then led down the twisty lane towards Combeinteignhead, avoiding fallen trees near Netherton before heading back through Newton Abbot.

A gale made the climb to Rattery brutal and fallen trees forced a rethink, so North Huish was shelved for a Dartington loop via Billany Farm lane and the riverside track. Dayle’s missing pump sparked a fruitless search by the railway—later found at home—while some splashed through the bog as others kept dry.

An evening at Martin Hills’ video suite for the Star Trek: The Next Generation pilot, Encounter at Farpoint, set the tone for future socials and promised many episodes to come. Mrs Hills’ generous spread felt more like a buffet than a snack, making it a small celebration.

Plans for Powderham Castle were washed out by torrential rain, so the ride became a Crofters social. Only Jamie and David reached a start point before the downpour; Michael ferried them back towards home, then returned to Buckfastleigh to host the ensuing house invasion.